Category Archives: Design

CAD (computer-aided design) models have changed the way the manufacturing industry designs and manufactures parts. There’s no doubt that since CAD technology, there has been a huge turning point for the better. Before CAD, designers used paper, pencils, rulers, compasses, and other tools to go about their drafting. It was cumbersome, time consuming, and a nuisance at times especially when there were changes being made to the design. Continue reading →

This blog post will distinguish the difference between Custom Manufacturing and Mass Production. Having knowledge of the difference between the two greatly influences two things, 1. how the part will be made, 2. the cost to make the part. Simply put custom and mass production are polar opposites of each other. Here’s why: Continue reading →

In the fabrication industry, specifically metal fabrication, parts or products are generally in one of three phases: prototype, production, and mass production. All three are treated completely different when manufacturing. This article will go into more detail of how the three stages differ from one another. Continue reading →

Here at Vista Industrial Products, Inc. we encounter several instances where engineers run into issues engineering a part causing them to over engineer the part. One thing engineers need to remember is the fit, form, and function of the part. If it doesn’t need it for the fit, form, or function, don’t add it!

What is Fit, Form, and Function (aka F3)? Simply put, it is the identification and description of characteristics of a part, component, and/or assembly. Continue reading →